Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have been given a stark warning by German duo Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler ahead of their round of 16 clash against the hosts on Saturday evening.
Humphries and Littler, the world’s top two ranked players, both received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list on Friday for their contribution to sport.
The honour is a clear indication of the burgeoning popularity of darts coinciding with the pair’s rise to the top.
After hearing of the award, Humphries said: “I’m extremely honoured and delighted to be receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to darts.
Luke Humphries recently beat Luke Littler to lift the Premier League trophy
PA
"To be recognised by the King for what I have achieved, and also for my contribution to playing in and promoting the sport that I love, is something that I never thought possible, but I’m very grateful that it has become a reality.”
Humphries and Littler are currently in Frankfurt, and will be representing England in the ongoing World Cup of Darts.
Due to their top seeding in the tournament they do not play until Saturday evening, where they have been drawn against host nation Germany.
JUST IN:Luke Littler and Luke Humphries become MBEs in King’s Birthday Honours
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will play alongside each other at the World Cup of Darts this weekend
PA
Littler had previously been involved in altercations with Germany's Pietreczko in Frankfurt, with the teenage sensation claiming he would never return to the country after suffering from crowd troubles.
“I think it was a very funny game against both Lukes, because Luke Littler says never come back to Germany,” Pietreczko said.
Pietreczko’s partner Schindler added: “I think the fans are going to play a major role in that.
READ MORE: Darts star raises unusual concern at World Cup that left him feeling 'uncomfortable'
“If we are going to play against bigger nations, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Netherlands or whoever, there are so many good names in it right now.
"I think this probably is the best World Cup to be in and we are very happy about the support we are getting from the fans.”
World No 1 Humphries had previously discussed the “hostile” atmosphere in Germany.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ricardo Pietreczko had previously played against Luke Littler in a highly contentious match
PA
“It'll be really hostile. We know that.
“When you get involved with the crowd, it never ends well so it'll be important to focus on the darts and let the crowd do what they want to do.”
Humphries is looking to defend his World Cup title following his triumph last year with Michael Smith, whereas Littler is searching for his first World Cup trophy in his maiden campaign.
The pair, who are ranked as the top two in the world by a considerable distance, enter the tournament as major favourites.
They will be hoping to overcome the hostile German crowd, as well as a two excellent darters in Schindler and Pietreczko, who dropped just two legs in their opening two games.
Most Read
